Written question WQ85971

I expect everyone who attends an emergency department to be triaged, assessed and treated in order of clinical priority, and in a timely manner. I was disappointed to see the performance reported at the Wrexham Maelor emergency department in July and I have been clear about my expectations for improvement.

It should be noted that demand for emergency care and related pressures have increased due to challenges with patient flow through the hospital system and because of staffing constraints, including from a rise in COVID-19 sickness over the summer months. This not a problem unique to Wales and all UK nations are experiencing similar challenges.

In support, we have made £3m in recurring revenue funding available to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to support delivery of its local Six Goals for Urgent and Emergency Care improvement programme.

It has established plans to increase capacity in urgent primary care and same day emergency care services to ensure people are seen by the most appropriate service for their care needs. This should help to improve clinical capacity in the emergency department, improve timeliness of access to senior decision-makers and support timely admission for those who have a clinical need for a hospital stay.

The health board will be held to account for delivery of these plans and required improvements in performance through regular Welsh Government Integrated Quality, Planning and Delivery meetings.